Garment Hanger Attachment and Connector Therefor

ABSTRACT

A connector for connecting an attachment to a garment hanger. The connector is located on one of said attachment and said hanger and comprises a connecting portion for releasably engaging a receiving portion on the other of the attachment and the hanger, said connecting portion comprising first and second biased engagement members biased in transverse directions such that at least a part of said first and second biased engagement members engage with respective portions of said receiving portion to releasably attach said attachment to said hanger.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a garment hanger attachment and a connector therefor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of hangers for displaying garments in retail outlets prior to purchase, is well known. Known garment hangers comprise a hook for suspending the hanger from a support, a body connected to the hook, and at least one engaging member disposed on the body for releasably engaging a garment.

It is however, often required to suspend a secondary garment hanger from a main garment hanger, so that a T-shirt may be displayed on the main garment hanger, while a pair of short may be simultaneously displayed from the secondary garment hanger which hangs from the main garment hanger. This type of arrangement is sometimes desired since it provides for the display of matching garments to enable a customer to simultaneously view the garments.

In view of this, a variety of garment hanger arrangements providing for the simultaneous display of two garments have been introduced to the retail industry. For example, the drop loop garment hanger arrangement as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises a conventional main garment hanger 1 from which is suspended a secondary garment hanger 3 comprising a vertically extending elongate body 5 having an adjustable loop 7 formed in the upper end thereof, and an engagement portion 9 at the opposite end thereof. The adjustable loop 7 of the secondary garment hanger 3 may be placed over a hook 11 of the main garment hanger 1 in order to hang the secondary garment hanger 3 from the main garment hanger 1. In this way, matching garments may be displayed in order to enable a customer to simultaneously view the garments.

However, known garment hanger arrangements provide a number of disadvantages. In particular, the arrangements are often cumbersome and prone to damage when being transported in boxes prior to their use. They are also expensive to manufacture, since the tool required to manufacture these secondary hangers is large. There is also no simple arrangement of multiple hangers on a single tool which significantly reduces the size of the tool.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention seek to overcome or at least alleviate at least the above disadvantages of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a garment hanger attachment for releasably connecting a first hanger member to a second hanger member, the attachment comprising:—

a first end having a first connector for releasably connecting said first end to a first hanger member; and a second end for connection to a second hanger member, the first end being disposed above the second end when the first hanger member is suspended from a support, wherein said first connector is adapted to connect said first end to said first hanger member such that movement of said first end relative to said first hanger member is substantially prevented, and said second end is adapted to be connected to said second hanger member such that movement of said second end relative to said second hanger member is substantially prevented.

In having a first connector which substantially prevents movement of the first end of the attachment relative to the first hanger member, and a second end adapted to be connected to the second hanger member such that movement of the second end relative to the second hanger member is substantially prevented, this provides the advantage that first and second garment hangers are maintained at a fixed distance apart and in this way, the garments are securely maintained in position and are thereby consistently displayed in an aesthetically pleasing way.

This provides the further surprising advantage that the benefits in terms of stability and presentation normally associated with a frame hanger are achieved, but without the high costs associated with the use of the large moulds typically required for frame hanger manufacture. In particular, the size of the mould required for the attachment, which is releasably connectable at its upper and lower ends to conventional garment hangers, is significantly smaller than the mould required for a frame hanger.

This provides the further advantage that a user is able to connect attachments having different lengths, to the first and second hanger members. In this way, the user is able to neatly present different sizes of clothing without having to resort to different sized frame hangers, for example.

Preferably, the attachment further comprises a second hanger member integral with said second end.

This provides the advantage that the user is provided with a one piece attachment which is attachable at its first end to a first hanger member, but which is already attached at its second end to a second hanger member, thereby providing a quick and easy means of simultaneously displaying matching garments.

Alternatively, said second end comprises a second connector for releasably connecting said second end to said second hanger member.

This provides the advantage that the user is provided with the flexibility to attach whichever style of first and second hanger member they choose, to the attachment. This provides the further advantage that manufacturing costs are reduced, since the moulds required for manufacturing such a double ended attachment, which has a connector at both ends, are smaller than those required to mould one piece items having hanger members already attached.

Preferably, said first connector comprises a first connecting portion movable between a first condition in which it engages a receiving portion on said first hanger member, and a second condition in which it does not engage said first hanger member.

Preferably, said first connecting portion comprises first and second biased engagement members biased in transverse directions such that at least a part of said first and second biased engagement members engage with respective portions of said receiving portion to releasably attach said first end to said first hanger member.

Preferably, said second connector comprises a second connecting portion movable between a first condition in which it engages a receiving portion on said second hanger member, and a second condition in which it does not engage said second hanger member.

In this way, the attachment as opposed to the second hanger member is provided with the second movable connecting portion. This provides the advantage that modification of the second hanger member to include a movable connecting portion is not required, with the result that the user is provided with more flexibility in terms of which second hanger member they choose to engage with the attachment.

Preferably, said second connecting portion comprises first and second biased engagement members biased in transverse directions such that at least a part of said first and second biased engagement members engage with respective portions of said receiving portion to releasably attach said second end to said second hanger member.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a garment hanger attachment comprising:—

a first end for connection to a first hanger member; and a second end having a second connector for releasably connecting said second end to a second hanger member, wherein said second connector comprises a second connecting portion for releasably engaging a receiving portion on the second hanger member, said second connecting portion comprising first and second biased engagement members biased in transverse directions such that at least a part of said first and second biased engagement members engage respective portions of said receiving portion to releasably attach said second end to said second hanger member.

This provides the advantage that if a user tugs on the attachment in one direction, for example such as to dislodge the first biased engagement member from its respective portion of the receiving portion, this serves to urge the second biased engagement member into further engagement with its respective portion of the receiving portion, with the result that the attachment remains securely connected to the hanger member. Similarly, if a user tugs on the attachment in the other direction, for example such as to dislodge the second biased engagement member from its respective portion of the receiving portion, this serves to urge the first biased engagement member into further engagement with its respective portion of the receiving portion, with the result that the attachment remains securely connected to the hanger member.

Preferably, said attachment further comprises a first hanger member integral with said first end.

This provides the advantage that the user is provided with a one piece attachment which is attachable at its second end to a second hanger member, but which is already attached at its first end to a first hanger member, thereby providing a quick and easy means of simultaneously displaying matching garments.

Alternatively, said first end comprises a first connector, said first connector being adapted to releasably connect said first end to said first hanger member.

Preferably, said first end is disposed above said second end when said first hanger member is suspended from a support.

Alternatively, said second end is disposed above said first end when said second hanger member is suspended from a support.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a connector for connecting an attachment to a garment hanger, the connector being locatable on one of said attachment and said hanger and comprising a connecting portion for releasably engaging a receiving portion on the other of the attachment and the hanger, said connecting portion comprising first and second biased engagement members biased in transverse directions such that at least a part of said first and second biased engagement members engage with respective portions of said receiving portion to releasably attach said attachment to said hanger.

This provides the advantage that if a user tugs on the connector in one direction, for example such as to dislodge the first biased engagement member from its respective portion of the receiving portion, this serves to urge the second biased engagement member into further engagement with its respective portion of the receiving portion, with the result that the connector remains securely connected to the hanger member. Similarly, if a user tugs on the connector in the other direction, for example such as to dislodge the second biased engagement member from its respective portion of the receiving portion, this serves to urge the first biased engagement member into further engagement with its respective portion of the receiving portion, with the result that the connector remains securely connected to the hanger member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only and not in any limitative sense, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:—

FIG. 1 shows a front view of a garment hanger attachment of the prior art;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the attachment of FIG. 1 engaged with a conventional garment hanger;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of an attachment in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a front view of the attachment of FIG. 3 connected to a second hanger member;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of part of the view of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the attachment of FIG. 3 connected to first and second hanger members;

FIG. 7 shows the connection between the attachment of FIG. 3 and the lower hanger member;

FIG. 8 shows the view along the section indicated by the line A-A of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of an attachment in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 shows the attachment of FIG. 9 connected to first and second hanger members;

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of an attachment in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 12 shows the attachment of FIG. 11 engaged with first and second hanger members.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 3 to 8, a first embodiment of a garment hanger attachment is represented generally by reference numeral 101. The attachment 101 comprises an elongate body having a first end 103 and a second end 105. The first end 103 comprises a loop member 107, which is engageable with a hook 108 of a first hanger member 109. The second end 105 comprises a second connector 111 for releasably connecting said second end 105 to a second hanger member 113. In FIGS. 3 to 8, the first end 103 is an upper end and the second end 105 is a lower end, when the first hanger member 109 is suspended from a support.

The second connector 111 comprises a second connecting portion for releasably engaging a receiving portion on the second hanger member 113. The second connecting portion comprises a first biased engaging member 115 and a second biased engaging member 117, with each of the first 115 and second 117 biased engagement members comprising an elongate leg 119 having at its free end a latch member 121. The first 115 and second 117 biased engagement members are biased in transverse directions such that said latch members 121 are biased in substantially opposite directions, and are laterally displaced from one another, on either side of an axis indicated by the line B on FIG. 7. In this way, the latch members 121 are able to engage with receiving portions 123 of said second hanger member 113, to releasably attach said second end 105 to said second hanger member 113. In the embodiment of FIGS. 3 to 8, the receiving portion 123 of the second hanger member 113 is a hollow projection 124 having opposite faces including laterally displaced apertures 125 into which the latch members 121 are able to locate.

In order to use the attachment 101, a user locates the loop member 107 over the hook 108 of a first hanger member 109, which is in the form of a conventional garment hanger. The attachment 101 is then connected to a second hanger member 113 by means of the second connector 111, which is pushed into the hollow projection 124 of the second hanger member 113. As the connector 111 is pushed into the hollow projection 124, the first 115 and second 117 biased engagement members are urged together against their bias, until the latch members 121 engage with the respective apertures 125 whereupon the first 115 and second 117 biased engagement members move away from each other once again, to securely retain the second connector 111 in the hollow projection 124. In this way, the attachment 101 is securely connected to the second hanger member 113. In the event that a user tugs on the second connector 111 in one direction, for example such as to dislodge the first biased engagement member 115 from its respective aperture 125, this serves to urge the second biased engagement member 117 into further engagement with its respective aperture, with the result that the second connector 111 remains securely connected to the second hanger member 113. Similarly, if a user tugs on the second connector 111 in the other direction, for example such as to dislodge the second biased engagement member 117 from its respective aperture 125, this serves to urge the first biased engagement member 115 into further engagement with its respective aperture 125, with the result that the second connector 111 remains securely connected to the second hanger member 113.

It is to be appreciated that although in FIGS. 3 to 8, the first end 103 comprises a loop 107 for engagement with a hook 108 of a first hanger member 109, the attachment 101 could alternatively comprise a first hanger member 109 integrally formed with the first end 103, in place of the loop 107.

Alternatively, it is to be appreciated that the attachment 101 could comprise any suitable means for connecting the first end 103 to the first hanger member 109 such that movement of said first end 103 relative to said first hanger member 109 is substantially prevented. For example, the attachment 101 could comprise a connector identical to the second connector 111, in place of the loop 107, for securely connecting the first hanger member 109 to said attachment 101.

It is to be further appreciated that although in FIGS. 3 to 8, the first end 103 is an upper end and the second end 105 is a lower end, the first end 103 could alternatively be a lower end and the second end 105 could alternatively be an upper end, with the upper second end 105 having the second connector 111.

It is to be further appreciated that a user is able to connect attachments 101 having different lengths to the first 109 and second 113 hanger members. In this way, the user is able to neatly present different sizes of clothing without having to resort to a different sized frame hanger, for example. In the event that a user wishes to change the length of attachment 101, they simply vigorously pull on the second connector 111 or alternatively, use a specially adapted tool in order to disconnect the attachment 101 from the second hanger member 113.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, a second embodiment of a garment hanger attachment is represented generally by reference numeral 201, with features in common with the embodiment of FIGS. 3 to 8 represented by the same numeral but increased by one hundred. The attachment 201 is similar to the attachment shown in FIGS. 3 to 8 but for the provision of a first connector 212 at the first end 203 of the attachment 201, in addition to the second connector 211 at the second end 205. The first connector 212 and the second connector 211 are identical in their construction to the second connector 111.

In order to use the attachment 201, a user connects the attachment 201 to a second hanger member 213 by means of the second connector 211, which is pushed into a hollow projection 224 of the second hanger member 213. As the connector 211 is pushed into the hollow projection 224, the first 215 and second 217 biased engagement members are urged together against their bias, until the latch members 221 engage with the respective apertures 225 whereupon the first 215 and second 217 biased engagement are biased in lateral directions and move away from each other once again, to securely retain the second connector 211 in the hollow projection 224. In this way, the attachment 201 is securely connected to the second hanger member 213.

In order to securely connect the attachment 201 to the first hanger member 209, a user connects the first connector 212 to a connecting plate 240 disposed on the underside of the first hanger member 209. The connecting plate 240 comprises two apertures 242 with which respective first 215 and second 217 biased engagement members locate, in order to securely retain the first connector 212 on the connecting plate 240. In this way, the first connector 212 is able to engage with either the hollow projection 224 or the connecting plate 240, and the first 209 and second 213 hanger members are maintained at a fixed distance apart, with the result that garments are more attractively presented.

This produces a hanger with similar properties to those of a frame hanger. In particular, the first hanger member 209, typically a tops or even a jacket hanger, has a second hanger member 212, in this instance a clip hanger, suspended a fixed distance below it. As a result of the rigidity of the first and second hangers members relative to each other, the combined hanger can be used a frame hanger which are often used for selling garments where two items are typically sold together, for example pyjamas. In comparison to a frame hanger, the three parts of the combination hanger of the present invention can be easily transported. Frame hangers tend to take up a large volume are prone to damage if transported without being carefully stacked on top of each other. The parts of the combined hanger of the present invention are easily transported separately and are then joined together upon arrival at their destination. Because the three parts of the combined hanger are formed separately, different combinations of the first and second hanger can be formed to provide the most suitable hanger for the garments without having to produce a new moulding tool for each combination.

The user is able to interchange the attachments 201 in order to accommodate differently sized garments. For example, longer attachments 201 may be used for larger sized garments and shorter attachments 201 may be used for smaller sized garments.

Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, a third embodiment of a garment hanger attachment is represented generally by reference numeral 301, with features in common with the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10 represented by the same numeral but increased by one hundred. The attachment 301 is similar to the attachment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 but for the provision of a second connector in the form of a hook attachment 314 at the second end 303 of the attachment 301 in place of the second connector 211. The hook attachment 314 comprises a loop member 314 a with which a hook of a second hanger member 313 may engage, in order to suspend the second hanger member 313 from the first hanger member 309.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the above embodiment has been described by way of example only, and not in any limitative sense, and that various alterations and modifications are possible without departure from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that although in the embodiments shown, the biased engagement members are described as being disposed on the attachment, with the receiving portion being disposed on the hanger member, it is equally possible to provide an arrangement whereby the biased engagement members are disposed on the hanger members and the receiving portion is disposed on the attachment. 

1. A garment hanger attachment for releasably connecting a first hanger member to a second hanger member, the attachment comprising:— a first end having a first connector for releasably connecting said first end to a first hanger member; and a second end for connection to a second hanger member, the first end being disposed above the second end when the first hanger member is suspended from a support, wherein said first connector is adapted to connect said first end to said first hanger member such that movement of said first end relative to said first hanger member is substantially prevented, and said second end is adapted to be connected to said second hanger member such that movement of said second end relative to said second hanger member is substantially prevented.
 2. An attachment according to claim 1, further comprising a second hanger member integral with said second end.
 3. An attachment according to claim 1, wherein said second end comprises a second connector for releasably connecting said second end to said second hanger member.
 4. An attachment according to claim 1, wherein said first connector comprises a first connecting portion movable between a first condition in which it engages a receiving portion on said first hanger member, and a second condition in which it does not engage said first hanger member.
 5. An attachment according to claim 4, wherein said first connecting portion comprises first and second biased engagement members biased in transverse directions such that at least a part of said first and second biased engagement members engage with respective portions of said receiving portion to releasably attach said first end to said first hanger member.
 6. An attachment according to claim 3, wherein said second connector comprises a second connecting portion movable between a first condition in which it engages a receiving portion on said second hanger member, and a second condition in which it does not engage said second hanger member.
 7. An attachment according to claim 6, wherein said second connecting portion comprises first and second biased engagement members biased in transverse directions such that at least a part of said first and second biased engagement members engage with respective portions of said receiving portion to releasably attach said second end to said second hanger member.
 8. A garment hanger attachment comprising:— a first end for connection to a first hanger member; and a second end having a second connector for releasably connecting said second end to a second hanger member, wherein said second connector comprises a second connecting portion for releasably engaging a receiving portion on the second hanger member, said second connecting portion comprising first and second biased engagement members biased in transverse directions such that at least a part of said first and second biased engagement members engage respective portions of said receiving portion to releasably attach said second end to said second hanger member.
 9. An attachment according to claim 8, further comprising a first hanger member integral with said first end.
 10. An attachment according to claim 8, wherein said first end comprises a first connector, said first connector being adapted to releasably connect said first end to said first hanger member.
 11. An attachment according to claim 8, wherein said first end is disposed above said second end when said first hanger member is suspended from a support.
 12. An attachment according to claim 8, wherein said second end is disposed above said first end when said first hanger member is suspended from a support.
 13. A connector for connecting an attachment to a garment hanger, the connector being located on one of said attachment and said hanger and comprising a connecting portion for releasably engaging a receiving portion on the other of the attachment and the hanger, said connecting portion comprising first and second biased engagement members biased in transverse directions such that at least a part of said first and second biased engagement members engage with respective portions of said receiving portion to releasably attach said attachment to said hanger. 